Drake and Kendrick Lamar had two of the biggest years for themselves in 2017. Their respective projects broke records and brought their stardom to a whole new height. DAMN. was arguably one of the best, if not the best, album of 2017 across all genres while Drake's More Life 24 track playlist had a song to ride out to for every season. Overall, they delivered bodies of work that highlighted their creative brilliance. The International Federation of The Phonographic Industry just released their list of best-selling artists of 2017 and it should come to no surprise that both Kung Fu Kenny and Drizzy made their way to the top.
Drake and Kendrick Lamar are sitting at the top five of the best-selling artists of 2017, Variety reports. Drake lands at number 2, being snubbed for the top position by Ed Sheeran. Kendrick Lamar sits at number four underneath Taylor Swift. It's a major mark in hip hop for the fact that two of the biggest artists in the genre are actually two of the biggest artists in the music industry, in terms of sales. The fifth best-selling artist goes to Eminem while The Weeknd sits at number 7.
The IFPI chart says they're independently verified and they calculate this through album sales, from CD, vinyl and digital, physical and digital singles sales as well as the on-demand audio streams throughout the calendar year. They also include features as well.
Frances Moore, IFPI chief executive, says the list reveals who the biggest artists are globally right now.
"This year’s Global Top 10 really is a ‘who’s who’ of popular music. Each artist has a unique impact on the music industry through the talent and energy they are channeling through their work." He said.
While Ed Sheeran is crowned the fifth artists to be honored with the IFPI Global Recording Artist of the Year award, Drake previously held that title in 2016.
IFPI’s Top 10 Global Recording Artists of 2017
- Ed Sheeran
- Drake
- Taylor Swift
- Kendrick Lamar
- Eminem
- Bruno Mars
- The Weeknd
- Imagine Dragons
- Linkin Park
- The Chainsmokers
